82 Touching Death Anniversary Quotes and Messages

The anniversary of someone’s passing is a hard time for all who knew them. Sometimes the pain of loss fades and an anniversary can bring it all back very quickly. Others like to use an anniversary to remember the passing of someone, perhaps visiting their grave and laying flowers.

Often it is supportive to send a card on the anniversary of someone’s death to let them know you are also thinking of them.

The most special people in our lives – fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters etc. – leave behind such strong memories that it is impossible to forget them. So commemorate their lives and remember them on the anniversary of their passing.

If you are struggling with what to say in a card for the anniversary of someone’s death, or you want to write a message and celebrate the passing of someone special from your own life, use the quotes and messages below.

Death Anniversary Quotes

These quotes are both an insightful and touching take on death and its impact on people. They can be used in an anniversary card for someone’s passing or on social media like Facebook to let someone know you are thinking of them on what will be a tough day.

  • “In your life you touched so many, in your death many lives were changed” – Melinda Jones
  • “Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy” – Unknown
  • “Sometimes
    I just look up,
    Smile, and say
    I know that was You”
    – Unknown
  • “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil” – John Taylor
  • “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow” – Author Unknown
  • “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear” – Anonymous
  • “They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies” – William Penn
  • “The life of the dead is placed in the heart of the living” – Cicero
  • “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die” – Thomas Campbell
  • “Love grows more tremendously full, swift, poignant, as the years multiply” – Zane Grey
  • “Death is nothing to us, since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not” – Epicurus
  • “When he shall die,
    Take him and cut him out in little stars,
    And he will make the face of heaven so fine
    That all the world will be in love with night
    And pay no worship to the garish sun” – William Shakespeare
  • “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die” – Hazel Gaynor
  • “A grave is braced not just by a tombstone but by angels as well” – Adabella Radici
  • “It’s not always the tears that measure the pain. Sometimes it’s the smile we fake.” – Unknown
  • “When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
  • “Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names” – Proverb
  • “Those who have lived a good life do not fear death, but meet it calmly, and even long for it in the face of great suffering. But those who do not have a peaceful conscience, dread death as though life means nothing but physical torment. The challenge is to live our life so that we will be prepared for death when it comes” – Unknown
  • “Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sigh” – Rossiter Worthington Raymond
  • “They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies” – William Penn

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One Year Death Anniversary Quotes

An anniversary of a passing is tough at any time but the first year anniversary is one of the toughest. The pain is still raw and the memories at their most vivid. If you are wishing someone well on the anniversary of a death or remembering one of your own these quotes are a good way to try and make sense of it all.

  • It’s already been a year and I still can’t believe you’re gone.
  • I still miss you every day and even after a year I’m not strong enough to accept you’re really gone
  • You are missed and more and more each day
  • “I remember the first day without you… I’ve never been the same” – Jennifer Ross
  • Every single second we spent together was was a wasted opportunity to tell you I love you
  • Each year I think it will be easier and each year I miss you just as much
  • A year has gone by but your memory will never fade. I love you and will forever hold you in my heart
  • Time is supposed to be a healer but after a year it’s still as painful as the first day. You will live on in the wonderful memories I have
  • I was blessed to know you and treasure the time we had together. It’s been a year now and I miss you so much. You will always be in my heart
  • A year sounds like such a long time but without you it has gone in the blink of an eye. We all miss you more than words can say. Rest in peace

Death Anniversary Messages

These messages are written to let someone know you are thinking of them on the anniversary of the death of a loved one.

  • The saddest moment is when the
    person who gave you the best memories, becomes a memory
  • You never stop loving someone, you just learn to live without them
  • Remembering you is easy
    I do it every day.
    Missing you is heartache
    that never goes away
  • Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.
  • Goodbyes hurt when the story is not finished and the book has been closed forever
  • Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.
  • May knowing you’re in the hearts and thoughts of others help you and yours through this time of sorrow
  • I know that no words will help or ease the pain but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers
  • May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends
  • I hope these words, however small, offer some comfort on what I know is a tough day. Wishing you peace and strength
  • Wishing you the deepest sympathies on this anniversary

Death Anniversary Quotes and Messages

For Father

If you’ve lost a Dad then these messages are perfect for remembering his life and how important he was to you and everyone he knew. Commemorate his passing with one of these touching father death anniversary quotes.

  • Your father’s memory may bring tears to your eyes today. I hope you’ll honour these memories with a smile someday
  • You will forever remain alive in our hearts and memories Dad
  • When I think of those
    I know and love
    I can’t think of one
    You tower aboveYou are better by far
    Than all the rest
    These four words say it all
    “Dad you’re the best”
  • A thousand words won’t bring you back. I know because I’ve tried; neither will a thousand tears, I know because I’ve cried
  • Sadly missed along life’s way,
    quietly remembered every day
    No longer in our life to share,
    but in our hearts, you’re always there
  • Even though you’re not here I still feel your presence every day. I know you walk beside me and give me strength. I miss you so much Dad.
  • To a wonderful father and special man – gone but never forgotten
  • We will always remember our dad as the most special man in our lives. His strength and wisdom have helped shape us, and we miss him dearly
  • I pray for you every day and know your soul is in heaven watching the vet us. I miss you Dad
  • On the anniversary of your fathers passing honour the memory of a truly special man. He was one in a million. RIP

For Mother

Like the loss of a father the loss of a mother is a profound and deeply painful time. Use these messages to remember your mom or comfort others remembering theirs.

  • Everyday I miss you and it hurts like the first day you gained your wings
  • I have wept, I have cried, I have grieved for you. My heart is in pain, I miss you so much mom
  • Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away. I miss you mom
  • You are near even if I don’t see you. You are with me even if you’re far away. You are in my heart, my thoughts, my life, always
  • I still see your face before me
    Your voice I long to hear
    I miss and love you dearly
    God knows I wish you were here
    Tears fall freely from my eyes
    Like a river filled with grief
    My only comfort now is that
    From pain you’ve found relief
    Missing you Mom
  • I take comfort from knowing your always with me, watching, helping and guiding. I will always miss you mom
  • Losing you was the hardest thing that’s ever happened and all these years later it still hurts. I’m forever thinking of you, mom
  • Your memories are a treasure I keep in my heart. Good or bad times I can think of you and smile. I will see you again one day, my dearest mother
  • Its not been long since you left us and I still miss you terribly. I hope you’re up there watching over us
  • To my dearly departed mom – your spirit will never fade and the time we had be a constant reminder of how special you were to me

For Brother

Brothers and sisters form special bonds that go beyond friendship and so the loss of a brother is a tragedy for those family members affected. These death anniversary quotes for your brother will help you remember and commemorate your sibling and his memory.

  • I can’t believe it’s another year since we lost you. Life won’t ever be the same, but I promise to always honour your memory and never forget you. RIP brother
  • My heart breaks every time I think of. I can’t describe how much I miss you, brother. One day we’ll meet again, until then I remember you as the truly amazing person you were
  • We all miss you more every year, but that unique bond we had as brother and sister makes it so much worse. I won’t forget you, bro – your little sister
  • Through all the fights and squabbling you were still the person I looked up to the most. Rest in peace brother
  • It’s been [number of years] since we lost you and the pain is still so strong. I treasure our memories like nothing else and remember them even more on anniversaries like this. Until we meet again, rest easy brother
  • To the best brother anyone could have had – I miss you more than ever.
  • Even though our time together was short I was lucky to have had such a special brother. I cherish you and all you did and will always remember you’re warmth and love
  • Remembering my wonderful brother today. Never forgotten, always loved.

For Sister

The anniversary of a sisters passing can be tough, but hopefully you can remember her life and all the times you had together with these sister anniversary quotes.

  • Today I remember my amazing sister. She was a truly special person who’s love and generosity I miss more every year
  • You were our everything and every year we remember what a terrible loss from our lives you’ve been.
  • Sister dearest, I shall never forget you. We are connected by more than family or blood, but by a love greater than anything else. I miss you terribly.
  • Another year without you and another year reminded of how wonderful you were. It never gets easier and nor should it – losing someone so special will always be heartbreaking. I just cherish the memories I have.
  • Rest in peace baby sister. Until we meet again someday
  • Remembering all the special times my sister and I had. She was like no one else and I miss her more than ever
  • Your sister was an inspiring and generous person. Her legacy will live on and on the day we remember her passing I’m sure she would be proud of everything you’ve done.
  • No words can express how much I want you back. I know I will be wth you again though. Rest in peace sister

For Friends

The loss of a good friend can be just as devastating as a family member. If you’ve lost a close friend or know someone who’s anniversary it is these messages can provide support.

  • Many caring thoughts are with you today
  • When someone you love dies you never quite get over it. You just learn to slowly go on without them. But always keeping them tucked safely in your heart
  • The hard part wasn’t losing you. It was learning to live without you
  • Because someone we love is in heaven there’s a little bit of heaven in our home
  • “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil”

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14 thoughts on “82 Touching Death Anniversary Quotes and Messages”

  1. What about Siblings? I think to myself parents are supposed to pass before their children. Spouses although this may sound heartless it is not meant to. Partners can be replaced. Even the passing of a friend can be tolerated because of other friends. But my only baby brother? Never. There really are no words…

    Reply
    • There certainly should be something for siblings, as well, there should be something for loss of a child.
      I lost my only son, my youngest child, he was 16 … my daughters lost their baby brother. There are no words for those losses.
      There are no words for any loss. To go on about how you can replace spouses and friends, is not very fair. You cannot measure your pain with those of others.
      Those are very strong connections. You literally give yourself to a spouse, like you give to no other human being on earth. Your parents love you more than anyone else in the world, once they are gone, nobody will ever love you like that again. Both of my parents are gone, and I still miss them terribly. People have very different relationships with their friends, and some of those connections, are stronger than that of a sibling.
      I know that you are hurting very badly, and I’m going to assume by your words, that this happened not so long ago. Your little brother cannot be replaced, but, honestly, nobody can be replaced. I hope that you can find some comfort, in your family and friends. I wish for peace and comfort for your heart and mind. Take good care of you.

      Reply
    • There is a tribute to brothers and sisters in the above quotes…
      But I’m so sorry for you’re loss! No matter who we have lost on this earth, if it was someone close and dear to us, it hurts deeply! And God the Creator of Heaven and Earth is our ultimate comfort, for He knows our sorrow and cares deeply for each of us! Reach out to Him! 🌹

      Reply
  2. To Emily and Solange,

    My sister passed away just before her 54th birthday, in 1997. She was a mother to me, well before my mother left us. I am 5 years younger than her. The pain of her passing was as difficult as it was when my mother passed, but I didn’t have that shoulder to lean on.

    I sat down and wrote a poem in her memory, ending it with “Your Brothers and Sister”. I have reread that poem, and though it imparts some sadness yet today, I read it with the same love that wrote it, her love, kindness, and giving as a person.

    You two need to honor your sibling in the same manner, it helps.

    Jim

    Reply
  3. I think every type of significant loss should be acknowledged. Sadly, people often assume how much someone is grieving based on the type of relationship you had with that person (not how close you were), whether or not you were immediate family, how long you were married, whether or not you were married, etc. Sometimes you can have a stronger connection with a friend than a sibling. I’ve seen wives lose their husbands and the one who was married for one year is hurting just as much (sometimes more) as someone married for 30 years. I lost my boyfriend and his death anniversary was not even acknowledged. We were in a committed relationship and very much in love but people in general don’t take that nearly as seriously as someone who was married. I know people who were married for years that don’t love each other but it doesn’t matter. Those people get supported but the fiancé who loses their fiancé is not nearly as supported although the love could be much stronger. Another example is someone who loses their adopted child and there is no comparison in the amount of support they get from someone who loses their biological child. My point is that it’s not always a perfect formula and people should not assume. In my situation where no one took my loss nearly as seriously only increased my grief and hurt. Every loss is different and someone shouldn’t assume how the griever is feeling , how they should be feeling, and how close the relationship was. Support is essential for healing and I know what it’s like to get minimal support. It’s painful.

    Reply
    • I had to read this twice because those would of been my words exactly. I too lost my committed boyfriend and we were very much in love. I received minimal support from several family members and I certainly would of gotten a lot more support from others if he was my husband. Today is his death anniversary and not one person acknowledged it. It is painful.

      Reply
  4. And grandchildren. I never thought in a million years that I would have to see one of my children bury not one… but TWO of her children.

    Losing them was extremely hard. But what’s even worse is watching my daughter go through with burying her children.

    Reply

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